Page 100 of Collide
But that trust feels fractured now.
I take a shaky breath. “Alex…thank you for explaining. I can’t begin to understand your world, and honestly? I don’t know if I ever could. I’m new to all of this—dating, letting someone in—and I was starting to trust you.”
His face brightens slightly with hope.
Which makes what I say next feel like a punch in the gut.
“But you lied. And I can’t pretend that it doesn’t hurt that you couldn’t trust me with this,” I whisper. “I don’t think we should see each other anymore.”
The words hang heavy in the air between us.
His face drops, pain flashing across his features. “Elena,please,” he pleads, stepping closer.
Afraid that if he touches me, I’ll cave, I take a step back and turn away, my eyes stinging.
And he gets it.
I hear the door open and close softly behind him, leaving me alone in the silence.
The tears I’ve been holding back slip down my cheeks.
My chest aches, hollow and empty. Like he’s taken something with him when he left.
The thought of never seeing that soft look in his eyes again, never feeling his electric touch, his warm arms around me…
It’s almost unbearable.
But I stay standing, even as my heart breaks.
After an emotionally exhausting afternoon, I decide to skip the rest of Geek-Fest and the VIP party, leaving Riley to enjoy it without me. I head back to the hotel early, desperate for some much-needed sleep—and honestly, to wallow in my swirling thoughts of Alex.
As I sink into the bed, my phone dings.
For a split second, my heart lurches—Alex?
But no.
Ugh. Broderick.
Just seeing his name makes my eye twitch, the memory of our brunch exchange still fresh, and yet, annoyingly, I realize I’m already grinning like a fool. Damn it.
Broderick
Hey Elena, it’s Broderick. Got your number off Phil. We need to talk ideas for this joint Bach party?
Elena
Karaoke & cocktails!
His reply comes almost instantly, and soon, we’re ping-ponging snarky texts like it’s a competitive sport.
Broderick
So, your idea for the bachelor weekend is karaoke and cocktails? Cute. Did your grandma help plan it?
Elena
Better than your suggestion of beer pong and hot wings. What are we, frat bros, reliving our glory days?
